Sarah James Driving School

78 Water Ln, YO30 6PN, York
Sarah James Driving School
78 Water Ln
YO30 6PN, York
+447955174132

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 8h-18h
  • tuesday: 8h-18h
  • wednesday: 8h-18h
  • thursday: 8h-18h
  • friday: 8h-18h
  • saturday: (closed)

Female driving instructor providing training to beginners, partly trained and license holders.

Our comment from DrivingSchoolsTOP.co.uk about Sarah James Driving School:

Sarah James Driving School is renowned for its patient and friendly approach to driving instruction in the United Kingdom. Many students have praised Sarah for her ability to create a comfortable and supportive learning environment, helping even the most nervous drivers build their confidence behind the wheel. Her teaching methods are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each student understands driving techniques thoroughly, often utilizing diagrams and practical examples to enhance learning.

Students have reported high success rates, with many passing their driving tests on their first attempt. She is known for her excellent communication skills and meticulous attention to detail, which allows her to identify and address weaknesses in a learner's driving. Additionally, Sarah is flexible with scheduling, accommodating her students' availability whenever possible.

However, there have been some criticisms regarding her cancellation policy, which can be seen as strict by some clients. A few reviews indicated moments of miscommunication or last-minute lesson adjustments that led to some stress for the students. Despite these occasional challenges, the overall consensus is that Sarah James Driving School provides exceptional driver education, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn how to drive.

In summary, if you are searching for a driving instructor in the UK who is knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cares about your driving success, look no further than Sarah James Driving School!

Sarah James Driving School: Reviews

4.8/5 (90 Reviews)
Freya Henshaw 3 months ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was a lovely and patient driving instructor and was very flexible when I had to change some of my lessons around due to my schedule whilst being a healthcare student. This helped me to keep up my driving progress and I was able to pass when I was ready. Thank you Sarah for all your help!

Mollie Williams 3 months ago

Fantastic experience: I passed my driving test this morning and would highly recommend Sarah to anyone who is learning to drive! My driving experience was a journey, I was quite a nervous driver to begin with, but with Sarah's advice and great teaching style I managed to overcome my nerves. Sarah provided me with confidence and positivity during my lessons, even when I was finding something difficult! She would adapt a method or technique to suit my way of thinking and provide diagrams and drawings which were useful as I was quite a visual learner. THANK YOU SARAH!!

Hannah Gibbons 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: I can’t thank Sarah enough for helping me to pass my driving test - nearly two weeks later and I’m still absolutely over the moon! Sarah is an instructor who is not only incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, but also really patient and takes things at your own pace. Would highly recommend! Thank you Sarah

Freddie Wilson 5 months ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah has been a great instructor throughout my lessons for teaching me how to drive safely and securely.

Rohan Hemantha 6 months ago

Fantastic experience: I passed the driving test on my first attempt today. I was so confident during the test thanks to Sarah's guidance and training. It was a great learning experience with Sarah. Her attention to details is amazing and has a great talent to spot weaknesses and tailor her teaching to overcome them. She's superb in communicating her instructions and explaining things and they're extremely effective. Her patience when I made mistakes and the way she motivated me was invaluable. She's not only very professional in her work but also very friendly and I enjoyed every lesson. Thanks very much Sarah!

Benjamin Steel 6 months ago

Fantastic experience: I passed my test today with Sarah and could not be more grateful for the journey I have been on with her. From careful drawn diagrams, picture examples, reinforcement messaging on key points and detailed analysis through drives, I've learnt a lot and most importantly feel safe on the road because of Sarah's guidance. Sarah is very professional, has an excellent eye for detail and a good judge of character so was able to see when I was getting nervous even when I couldn't see it. Today on my test I could hear her voice in my head going over techniques and because of that I am now qualified to drive. I highly recommend learning to drive with Sarah!! THANK YOU SARAH!!!! :)

Lena Mazel 10 months ago

Positive experience: I took lessons with Sarah to prepare for the UK driving test after moving from the US. She is overall a patient instructor who was thorough at explaining things, especially about the test. Her car is clean and easy to learn on. However, she did get me into a challenging situation with my driving test. In the weeks prior to my test I regularly checked in to ensure we were on the right track to be ready when the time came. Then, when we had one lesson left she texted me saying she didn't think I was ready. I was about to start a new job and had scheduled the test for the week before. I asked about additional lessons but Sarah recommended I postpone my test and book additional lessons, and she didn't have any lessons available beforehand that worked with both of our schedules. This was obviously a stressful experience and knocked my confidence a bit! It felt like the comment that I wasn't ready came out of the blue. I ended up taking the test at a later date and just practiced on my own, because the whole situation made me feel a bit weird. I hired a car from Arnold Clark and passed anyway! Anyway Sarah's instruction was good but I wish she had let me know sooner that she felt I wouldn't pass. While I felt prepared at the time and later passed the test, I understand she may have different standards and judgment when it comes to the test. However, if she wanted to ensure we were 100 percent ready, she should not have waited until the last minute when we had just one lesson left. More notice would have allowed me to just prepare a bit more in advance instead of having to pursue other options.

Fin Lorimer 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Really good, very patient and very knowledgeable would highly recommend

finshot 06 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor, managed to get me through my test first time

Daniel Waddington 10 months ago

Fantastic experience: One of the best driving instructors in the world couldn’t ask for anyone else To learn with, I would recommend

Curt Pagsanghan 11 months ago

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t have asked for a better driving instructor!! So patient and friendly! She has great teaching methods and made me happy/confident in my ability before my test after starting out as a nervous driver. Thank you so much Sarah!! :)

Islam Alzokm 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend Sarah James Driving school, simply is the best instructor in York. Thank you

Emily Jesse 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is the most patient and amazing driving instructor!!! Sarah helped me build my confidence throughout each lesson. Her teaching skills are amazing and adjusted to the way I learn as an individual. Sarah is a very friendly person and made my lessons fun and enjoyable to keep trying. I passed first time thanks to Sarah’s patience and hard work with me. Thank you!!!

Megan Robinson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was absolutely amazing, she helped me pass first time with only 3 minors. She was so patient with me and broke down every step of driving. I cannot thank her enough!!

Ruby 101 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I can not fault Sarah one bit, I have felt so comfortable and achievable with Sarah every time I have been in her car, she has always been on time with ought fail, and wants to do the best for her students. Not only does Sarah do the best to help her students in the time of the lesson but also in her spare time by using images and descriptions to help. Sarah has great punctuality, communication, helpful, patience. I have also passed first time with Sarah and felt confident all the way through as Sarah likes to make sure her students feel cool, calm and collective when going for the test. Could not fault Sarah one bit!

Molly Hudson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t recommend Sarah enough, I only had 2 last minute lessons which Sarah managed to fit me in with. I felt so much more confident after just 1 lesson with her, my whole mindset on how to drive changed after a lesson with Sarah. I felt much more confident and relaxed and passed my test soon after! Thankyou Sarah!

Lucy Wade 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Really good driving instructor! Always friendly and never cancelled any lessons Would definitely recommend!

William Dawson Pell 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience from start to finish - Made me feel comfortable and safe and feel prepared for the tests! Would recommend to anyone looking to learn.

Jack Stuart 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was a wonderful instructor, incredibly accommodating and kind as well, which is always nice to see in a teacher

Tracey D 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I am an experienced driver but I had lost confidence parking since moving to a narrow busy street. Sarah gave me a two-hour session in my own car which was brilliant - she gave me tips and techniques to understand the best options. She restored my confidence and I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking for driving tuition.

Dylan Kocher 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Was a great instructor enjoyed the lessons and felt very prepared when it came to taking the test. Couldn’t have asked for more! Will definitely recommend.

Marilyn Slater 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was an excellent teacher, she was patient and positive about my driving. I passed first time with her help, thank you Sarah!

Brianna Rose 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah has been a fantastic driving instructor! I was very nervous to learn to drive, but Sarah was so lovely and taught me everything I needed to know in a constructive way, tailored to me and how I learn, so I could drive confidently and safely. She was always very clear in her instructions and I always knew at the start of every lesson what we were covering and why. I wouldn't have passed my test without her, I felt confident and ready for my test, and passed with only 3 minors! I couldn't recommend Sarah enough, I now feel confident to be able to drive and handle situations on the road by myself, even though I will miss Sarah being next to me. Thank you so much Sarah! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Benjamin Mason 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: She's an amazing driving instructor explained it in ways I understood. I passed with 1 fault which is amazing. I would recommend her to anyone brilliant instructor and person.

Anya Belcher 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I was initially very nervous about driving but the way Sarah delivered her lessons put me at ease and allowed me to learn with confidence. She was patient and friendly, and instructed very clearly and fairly so I could overcome any mistakes and habits. Despite being anxious about the practical, I felt that she prepared me very well for it, and I was able to pass on my first try with the knowledge of how to drive both safely and confidently. Thank you very much!

Elle Mae 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was absolutely brilliant with helping me pass my driving test. I was very nervous for my test but Sarah worked tirelessly to reassure me and teach me everything I needed to know. She was always very clear in her instruction and happy to answer any question...no matter how silly! Thank you Sarah for helping me pass!

Anja Plews 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Brilliant driving instructor, very calm and will go through driving procedures thoroughly. I passed first time with Sarah, a very lovely woman too! :)

Romy Jones 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah has been a great driving instructor, she’s made me feel really at ease from the beginning, she’s friendly, her teaching approach is clear calm and consistent and our lessons were always structured clearly so I knew what to expect at each lesson. I’m happy to say with Sarah’s help I’ve passed first time! I’d highly recommend Sarah.

Anya Hays 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Sarah enough. I came to her after a negative learning experience and she completely boosted my confidence. She’s extremely patient and friendly when teaching and explains things in ways you understand. Thank you Sarah!

LC 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I couldn't reccommend Sarah enough! She's been calm, thoughtful, patient, funny, and an overall excellent teacher. Learning to drive has been really hard, with lots of ups and downs, but Sarah helped me overcome every obstacle, and it's thanks to her that I passed first try! To every learner driver I wish you all the best! Hang in there and you'll make it through!

Damian Freddi 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a fantastic and patient teacher. I wouldn't have passed without her.

laura odonnell 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a great driving instructor, she literally has the patience of a Saint. I had little confidence and was very a nervous driver. She helped me overcome all my fears. And did a great job preparing me for my driving test. I would highly recommend her.

Jess Thomas 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah taught me how to drive 2 years ago and my original review has disappeared! She is honestly the most friendly reassuring and calming instructor you could meet. She puts you at ease right away and tailors her lessons to your needs, which is perfect if you are someone who found driving daunting and kept putting it off like I did. And now I have encountered all sorts of driving situations that haven't bothered me in the slightest because Sarah provided me with the tools to navigate them and to mentally prepare for them as well. Within a few weeks I was confident about driving down main roads and able to have conversations as I became more relaxed in the car. And when I failed my first test she helped me get my confidence and jump right back in to pass the second time! Great instructor, the prices were amazing and I loved her little car to learn in and she checks in on you from time to time to see how you're doing.

Martin 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Super professional, knowledgeable, friendly and incredibly patient which helped me pass first time. Highly recommended! :-)

Zach Robinson 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I passed first time under the considerate guidance of Sarah. As someone returning to driving after several years, I was very anxious. Sarah was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and put me at ease throughout.

Megan Elvidge 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is on another level! The environment she creates whilst driving is second to none. I could not have passed my test without her, after trying a few other instructors I was nervous to start learning again but not with Sarah! She was calm, kind and reassuring. I would recommend her to anyone looking to pass their test. She’s a fantastic driving instructor and person and I will actually miss our lessons!

Sylvestre Sori 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah have used every minutes on the driving time to help and guide and even share enough tips and tricks to help me improve my driving as well as. I have passed my driving test as I got only two minors fault on my test. She was available and insightful. I will strongly recommend her services without any hesitation !!

maz 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very friendly, helped me pass first time :)

Brennan Creasey 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructor for me! Very good at focusing on key improvement points. Definitely would recommend!

ONYEBUCHI NWAGBARA 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah really knows the job. She is very patient and gave me the tips on how to be a good, safe and professional driver. She’s got the driving and teaching skills, experience and tips to help you pass your practical test. I will recommend her to anybody who really wants to know how to drive. Thank you Sarah

Abigail Birch 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah’s approach to teaching ensures progression and confidence for all in driving. She has a welcoming manner, explains things in detail and has a lot of patience. I can’t recommend her enough - thank you again!

Jaimini Prajapati 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is very good driving instructor. She is very patient and takes time to understand and explain things. She's always on time and lets you know if she's going to be delayed. She's very friendly and easy to get on with. I would strongly recommend Sarah as driving instructor.

Aravindh Doss 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: PASSED MY DRIVING TEST ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT! Sarah has been very helpful from day1 of my practice sessions! She made sure I dropped any bad driving habits from my previous experience and guided me to driving safely on UK roads. I'm sure she makes a great instructor for any level of learners. She has always been kind on the roads, and I've never seen her getting frustrated while correcting me with any of my errors. Good value for money as well (if thats what you're looking for). Would definitely recommend.

Rose London 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is definitely the best driving instructor i've had, she really teaches you things step-by-step - I only had a few lessons with her (sadly I'm leaving York!) but I learnt more with her than I learned with my previous instructor in a year...! cannot recommend enough :)

Jason Bainbridge 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: After completing a total of 40 hours worth of intensive driving lessons with Sarah I felt completely ready for my test as I felt all possible bases had been covered. Sarah is a calm and collected instructor and took the time to go over anything I was not comfortable doing. Would absolutely recommend

Craig Proudlock 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah managed to get me through learning to drive even through twice being interrupted for several months at a time from Covid. Despite the set backs through her teaching no time was wasted at all getting back up to speed, basically within the first half an hour it was as if I'd only had the usual week between lessons. I'd highly recommend her if you're getting behind the wheel for the first time like I was, she made it seem so much less daunting than my initial impressions. By the end of your lessons you'll be able to drive like its second nature and have silly conversations like seatbelts magically getting twisted whilst driving! Affordable prices, great teaching and a nice car to learn in even if you're in the taller side.

Stephen Burke 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah helped me to get through my test and made me at ease the entire time. Sarah is very patient and an excellent teacher!! Thank you for helping me finally pass my test!!

Emma Crockatt 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Sarah enough! I came to her quite nervous about driving, and through her patience and attention to detail we made fast progress, giving me just the right push to gain the self-belief needed to pass my test. Sarah is warm, funny, kind and always able to put you at ease. She believed in my ability to drive from the get go, even when I didn’t! I have loved her way of breaking things down and explaining them, with no question ever too small or silly, Sarah really takes the time to help you feel prepared. I feel that the skills, confidence and assertiveness Sarah has taught me will last way beyond my test. An amazing teacher! Thank you Sarah.

Lauren I 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a wonderful person and brilliant driving instructor. Not only did I pass first time but I also feel what she taught has set me up to be a competent and safe driver even after my test. (Her method of laughing at the absurdity of other drivers rather than letting Road Rage set in is definitely something that'll stick with me!) She is very calm and patient and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Peter James 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I PASSED FIRST TIME WITH NO MINORS! WOO HOO - All thanks to the amazing instructor Sarah. I had a few issues with my previous instructor so decided to give Sarah James Driving School a try and from the word go Sarah made my lessons easy to understand helped me progress to passing my test. She is so patient and pushes you to the next stage in a way that doesn't seem to daunting. It takes a certain type of person to be a good teacher but it takes an super special type of person to be a great teacher. Look no further if you want a sure fire way of getting on the road. I never thought I would actually feel like a safe driver but I do now. Thanks a million Sarah. YOU ARE THE BEST!

Łukasz Strojny 3 years ago

Negative experience: Absolute money makers, demand a 7-day cancellation notice which is probably the stupidest thing I’ve seen, as you cannot predict illness or different circumstances. Doesn’t care about the students and their circumstances, just wants the money in her pockets. Lost around £100, at first I gave minimum notice because of some family problems, but she didn’t care demanded another £50 for the lesson, and on another occasion I gave a 6-day notice that I want to cancel the lesson and cancel the practical test, she took £50 and sent me back £12. Furthermore, it’s always a problem when you want to cancel the lesson, but it’s always fine when she has to cancel it this has happened on 2 occasions as well, it’s really not fair. Been doing lessons since April, and after about 2 months there was no progress made because the lessons were too long, and when I asked to change the lessons from 2 hours to 1-hour lessons, she refused. Does what best suits her not the learner. Not good for nervous drivers as well as when you get too close to the curb she raises her voice and grabs the wheel rapidly, cares more about the car than the actual learner. Definitely wouldn’t recommend.

Sarah James Driving School
Sarah James Driving School

Dear Lukasz, it’s understandable you’re disappointed that you were charged for cancellations, but you were aware of the cancellation policy at the time of booking in for lessons and after not being charged initially, it was explained to you that further cancellations would have to be charged for in accordance with the policy. It is quite normal for companies to have a cancellation policy. It’s also understandable that you are disappointed you didn’t reach test standard in time for the practical test that was booked, however learning to drive and passing the driving test, requires concentration, commitment and responsibility. Heavy drinking, late nights and fighting are not conducive to this. A plan was also discussed and it was agreed that 1-hour lessons would not be enough for you to reach your target for passing the practical test that was booked. In relation to hitting the kerb, the consequences of this can be far greater than just costly damage to the car. To make a situation safe, sometimes an assertive tone of voice and a speedy reaction from an accompanying driver is required. Particularly if the driver is not responding to earlier instruction.

Graeme Barker 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend Sarah to any body learning to drive, Sarah has just taught and put my son through his driving test. She has always been very polite, professional, punctual and very helpful. My Son has enjoyed learning to drive with Sarah. Thanks again Sarah.

Joe Richardson 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Thanks to Sarah, I was able to pass my test first time round despite various lockdown getting in the way of our lessons. Sarah is the kind of teacher you want alongside you - thorough in explanation, gives you the confidence to get going by yourself and has seen near enough every mistake a learner can make so is a very calm and calming presence. Also has some fantastic jokes at her disposal.

Megan Handley 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a great instructor! She has helped me progress massively and has helped me understand as much as I need to pass my test. Thanks to her I passed first time with only 3 faults today and I am so grateful for all her help! I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing an instructor.

Tom Duffield 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: The lessons were good all-around. Punctual, flexible and was able to communicate driving tips for regular driving which weren't stressful or panicking as well as making it clear what the test-standards are and what the best course of action for passing would be. Passed first time due to being prepared for everything well in the lessons.

T-series - 4 years ago

Negative experience: Shes not pick up her phone when you call her

Ben Stanbridge 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: My first and only driving instructor. Passed first time! Sarah was very clear, patient and thorough. Would highly recommend.

Chris Halpin 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is an absolutely fantastic instructor and it was a pleasure to be taught how to drive be her. I have had a few bad experiences with other instructors in the past but Sarah was incredibly patient and kind and made the experience genuinely fun and enjoyable. I passed first time thanks to her hard work and effort.

Sarah Hatfield 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been learning to drive for years and had failed my test twice before finally finding Sarah. After about half a year of learning to drive with her my driving improved more than I ever thought it could thanks to her patience and personalised support. I can't thank you enough Sarah, I'll miss having you as my instructor!

Joe Walker 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: I would 100 % recommend Sarah to anybody wanting to learn to drive. She is patient, very understanding, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. Sarah teaches you at the good pace, really taking her time so you have a full understanding of what you are doing and she gives you useful tips on how to drive safely which are easy to remember, which is especially great for anybody that might be nervous about getting behind the wheel for the first time.

issi mattson 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Could not have imagined such a great instructor, always on time, very helpful and calming. Passed first time today with only 3 faults. Will miss my weekly lessons. I will be recommended her to everybody I know!

Ben Rudd 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: If you are reading this, the chances are you are choosing who to learn to drive with and are probably nervous about taking your first lessons. Hopefully this review will make your decision clear! Firstly, Sarah is friendly, patient and an excellent instructor. With her vast experience she has a great sense of a learner's ability and progresses the lessons at a rate that ensures you are confident and comfortable with skills before moving on - I never felt rushed or out of my depth, but always felt like I was making good progress and being continually challenged within my comfort zone. Her teaching style is tailored to your own needs and she is fantastic at determining the best way to help you learn. Often if I found myself struggling to understand a skill or concept at first she would change her approach and adapt her method of teaching to better help me understand, never getting frustrated. Well worth the time and money, I passed first time and would highly recommend Sarah to anybody who is a complete newbie to driving (like I was), particularly if you are worried at the prospect of having an unfriendly, impatient instructor!

Delia Wilson 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great!

Ella Tulip 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Could not recommend Sarah highly enough. I was quite a nervous driver to start with (having put off lessons for several years), but Sarah really put me at ease. She had lots of useful tips to help keep me focused and was very friendly and reassuring throughout our lessons. Sarah is very patient and I never felt stupid asking questions. The way she taught me has made me a really good driver and I definitely wouldn't have passed my test as quickly without her.

Gingee 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is by far the best driving instructor I’ve ever had. She has had endless patience for my mistakes and stupidity when I was learning to drive. Sarah is very friendly and I would highly recommend her driving instructing services to anyone!

jade bridge 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Passed my test first time this morning could not recommend Sarah anymore. What an absolutely amazing instructor she is. Very friendly, patient and professional. I suffer with anxiety and feel Sarah has been very mindful and supportive of this during my time learning with her.

Shaun Nohilly 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: My experience with Sarah was entirely positive. Her teaching is detailed, well paced and is designed to challenge you as an learner in order to progress. Sarah is a very friendly person and talented teacher - highly recommend.

Russell Khan 6 years ago

Negative experience: Money makers Want to put 000000000 but no option

Sarah James Driving School
Sarah James Driving School

Sorry Russell, we don’t know each other, you have the wrong business, please remove your comment.

Sam Lisle 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a brilliant instructor and was very patient with me, particularly as I was quite nervous in my first few lessons. Her friendly approach and clear guidance gave were very helpful and enabled me to build confidence in my driving - very pleased to have passed!. Would definitely recommend to others.

Orsolya Bene 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is an amazing driving instructor, I honestly can only recommend her to anyone! I had a hard time especially at the beginning as I can get quite anxious (I was hit by a car when I was little so driving mortified me for quite long) but she always made me feel safe and helped me gradually get rid of my nerves. She is honestly the most patient person I've ever met, always remains calm and supportive, even if I ask a question a million times, or need a refresher on something basic. She is really good at explaining things and helping you become a confident and safe driver. She is very observant, she would tailor the lessons to exactly what I needed at the time, keep track of exactly what I needed to practice. Now that I've passed I'm actually really missing my weekly lessons!

Tom Witts 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is an amazing driving instructor and a wonderful woman, couldn't ask for a better person to teach me how to drive! Passed first time thanks to her, would highly recommend to anyone looking for lessons, thanks so much Sarah! Would give 6 stars if I could:)

Olivia Simms 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience learning to drive with Sarah. She was extremely patient and we used teaching methods that were helpful to me that let teaching points stick in my brain more. I was anxious about learning to drive in the beginning, but at the start of each lesson Sarah would talk me through what we would be learning in the lesson and then throughout the lesson would explain each manoeuvre or junction as we got to it until I felt comfortable doing them on my own. By the time it got to taking my driving test I was confident with driving as I had methods to work through hazards and obstructions safely. All lessons were organised well in advance and could be reorganised beforehand if needed. The 2 hour lessons were very helpful to me as it was long enough to be able to learn a lot and practise the things we had been learning. Sarah is a great teacher and I would highly recommend her to anyone starting learning to drive or continuing lessons!

William Joyce 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic instructor. Managed to work her timetable around my awkward schedule and teach me everything i needed to pass my test.

Kerri McDonnell 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I had two instructors before I met Sarah and I wish I had her from the beginning! Sarah’s teaching style is supportive, clear and she is very observant and perceptive; my driving lessons were perfectly tailored to meet the skills I needed to develop and I felt she got to know me as a learner driver very quickly. This meant that I was fully confident in the knowledge that she knew what I needed each lesson. Sarah explained each lesson objective and everything we were doing was fully explained and reinforced. I came to driving much later in life than others and was very nervous and anxious. Sarah made me feel safe and with her help and careful instruction, I got there! I have just passed today and cannot be happier. I would highly reccomend Sarah to anyone!

Jordan Dyson 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great driving instructor, very patient, got me on the road in no time at all! Would highly recommend

Kate Warner 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely wonderful driving instructor! I genuinely couldn’t recommend anyone more highly! She made driving lessons a joy and helped so much with my confidence! I even missed my lessons when I passed as she’s such a lovely person to spend time with!

Sam Johnson 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Sarah as an instructor. I returned to driving after a six year gap and Sarah quickly adapted and modified lessons based on my strengths, weaknesses and bad habits. Her tutoring got me to the point where I passed first time with no faults. My experience of being taught by Sarah was entirely positive. She's a patient and skilled instructor whose lessons I enjoyed and felt comfortable in. As a result of her tutoring I'm a far better and safer driver than I was when I first learnt to drive.

Becky Minton 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is a very kind warm person and patient instructor. I lacked in confidence and many times wanted to give up but she would take things slow and wouldn’t rush me. I ended up passing my test first time! I highly recommend Sarah James’ Driving School you won’t regret it! Thank you Sarah you’re a great instructor! X

Tilly Reeve 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was brilliant! She’s was patient and very friendly! You can have a laugh with her and it puts you as ease!! I really enjoyed my lessons and would definatley reccomend having lessons with her! I passed first time with 3 minors!

Clair Raper 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Having read some of the made up reviews from fictional people, I want to share abit of my experience of driving with Sarah. I had 2 driving instructors b4 finding Sarah that I just didn't gel with, I'm a nervous older driver and finding someone to make me feel at ease was hard. I have to say Sarah had the patience of a saint, excellent at explaining things, and didnt made me feel like my fears were stupid, instead slowly built up my confidence in my own ability. Never let me down, didn't even cancel a lesson in the snow, if she ever was late it was only by a few minutes and considering the traffic in York I think this is unavoidable & expected at times, & not something in her control. Sarah encouraged me to do my theory and test when I would of been more than happy to avoid them & just carry on paying for lessons (the thought of the test made me totally panic) but she knew I was ready and didn't want me paying for lessons I didn't need. Highly recommended instructor.

Reece Iveson Videography 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah is an amazing driving instructor. She gave me the knowledge to comfortably pass my test first time, even though I’d had failed attepts with other instructions. Sarah genuinely cares about making you into a safe driver and also has some useful tips & tricks about the test. Would happily recommend to anyone!

John Oliver 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Thank you Sarah for all your help, guidance and support in learning to drive. Sarah was recommended by my girlfriend who passed under her tuition. I had zero driving experience and kept putting off learning until I was 27. I was very nervous to learn but soon settled down thanks to Sarah’s approach and friendly personality. I grew more confident behind the wheel and ended up passing 1st time.

Liam Hughes 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Passed 1st time with no faults. Only took a few months was eager to get my test and was over the moon with the outcome. Sarah worked around the hours I work and never failed to show up for a lesson. Not to mention she had the patience of a saint even when I was feeling the pressure to get it right. Need to book early though Sarah is in high demand

Oliver 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was a great instructor who got me passed on my first go. Her training methods work excellent for improving your driving skills on all manoeuvres and everything you need to know on the road

Samantha Rowley 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was an amazing driving instructor! I was super anxious about learning to drive and she put me at ease every lesson, always patient and kind. She was so great at building my confidence. I had been recommended to contact Sarah and I’m so glad I did! Couldn’t of done it with out you Sarah thank you so much! I will always recommend you to others!

Cassie Dunford 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: After failing my test with a different instructor a year prior, I decided to retry with Sarah! Within 2 months we managed to brush up on my skills so I passed first time with Sarah with only 1 driving fault! She’s really kind and easy to get along with making the lessons much more comfortable.

Ruby Shahzada 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: I took with Sarah classes, she is professional and very knowledgeable and patient. I passed the test following her notes and tips, I wouldn’t be able to pass it if it wasn’t for her. Always on point and she enjoys teaching and giving reasons why things shouldn’t be done. Strongly recommend.

Chloe Smith Duck 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sarah was an amazing driving instructor. I struggled quite a bit and on many occasions was close to giving up however Sarah was extremely patient, encouraging and would adapt her teaching techniques in order to suit me which helped loads. She also was very good in making sure the length of the lessons suited me I passed first time with hardly any driving faults.

Bethany White 7 years ago

Positive experience: Sarah's a lovely and patient instructor. I took my lessons in 7-hour blocks and she judged the pacing of those sessions well with breaks when they were needed. With her help, I passed first-time :)

Keri O'Shea 7 years ago

Negative experience: I had some lessons with Sarah last year. We made limited progress, up to a point. Unfortunately, after not turning up for a booked lesson, she didn't tell me why and didn't respond to my text enquiring about what had happened. We have had no contact since this time. Other things worth knowing: sessions must be paid for, in full, if less than 48 hours' notice is given, which can be difficult if you are ill as you cannot always predict with two days' notice. This school may also not be suitable for very nervous learners, as I was, as you will be told off about 'damaging' the car, right down to not 'clicking' the handbrake! It seems to me that wear and tear is absolutely inevitable in a vehicle being used for learning to drive.

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